Home remedies for headaches will help prevent migraine headaches and stop the pain of tension headaches without that little white pill (or blue or red, or whatever color it happens to be).
However, before discussing natural cures for headaches, let's talk about the three major types of headaches.
Migraine Headaches cause a throbbing pain on one side of the head. They are often accompanied by nausea, dizziness and light or sound sensitivity. Migraines oftentimes have a trigger...certain foods, smells or chemicals...even events or activities can cause migraines.
The best home remedies for migraine headaches involve simply identifying triggers (and then avoiding them of course). When you get a migraine, try to remember everything you did and ate the day before, and meticulously record it. After several migraine episodes, look for a pattern and identify your triggers. Some of the most common triggers include chocolate, sulfites, apple juice, tea, coffee, red wine, MSG (monosodium glutamate), nitrates and artificial sweeteners.
Tension Headaches: Ever hear someone say: "You're giving me a headache!" They are most likely referring to a tension headache. Tension headaches are very common and usually cause a tight feeling of pressure on both sides of the head. Tension headaches are usually caused by stress, neck strain, muscle strain, nutrient deficiencies or chemical issues. The best way to avoid tension headaches is to avoid stress (ha, ha..good luck with that one!), avoid eyestrain, and keep a regular eating and sleeping schedule.5 You can also try breathing exercises to reduce stress. Place one hand on your stomach and take slow, deep breaths while slowly counting from 1-4 and then backwards again.
Cluster Headaches: Cluster headaches cause a sharp, stabbing pain behind one eye. Cluster headaches usually happen at the same time of day each day and and come on quickly. Some people think they are caused by irregularities in the hypothalamus. Avoid nitrates (as in processed meats), limit alcohol, limit stress, avoid smoking and avoid overheating. Regular sleep is also very helpful.5
Warning: See your doctor if you experience three or more headaches a week, you start to need stronger and stronger pain relievers, you have a headache that gets worse and doesn't go away, or your headache is accompanied by fever, dizziness, stiff neck, shortness of breathe, severe vomiting, difficulty breathing, confusion, tingling or slurred speech.
Once you know the type of headache you suffer from, you can read up on home remedies for headaches and figure out the best natural cure.
Try an acupressure point. Place your dominant hand (the one you use to write with) flat on the table. Press the web between your thumb and first finger in the tenderest spot possible. Then, lie down for 15 minutes,5 and when you get up, you just might find the pounding has disappeared.
Glucosamine is one of the best home remedies for migraine headaches..when it comes to prevention anyway. Glucosamine reduces inflammation and migraine headaches are linked to inflammation. Several studies show that glucosamine use can decrease headaches. However, do speak with your doctor, as glucosamine should not be taken if you suffer from certain diseases like diabetes, asthma, kidney problems or shellfish allergies. It can also interact with certain medications.5
Essential Oils can ease the pain of a tension headache. Add two drops of Peppermint 100% Pure Essential Oil or Eucalptus Essential Oil to olive or coconut oil. Rub into the temples and around the head.1 Or you can mix 1 part peppermint essential oil to 9 parts rubbing alcohol, moisten a cotton ball and rub on the head. Just be sure this doesn't get in your eyes.5 Learn more about the mint-plant.
Pure lavender oil can also be massaged into your temples for headache relief. Pure lavender oil is especially effective when blended with peppermint oil in a carrier oil (olive, coconut, vegetable oil). These two essential oils are fabulous home remedies for headaches, especially those brought on by stress.
Many herbal teas are excellent home remedies for headaches. Drink the following herbal teas, skullcap, Organic Chamomile with Lavender Tea, peppermint,1,5 and willow bark1. You can either use these herbs individually, or combine them. Skullcap and lavender stop muscle spasms while peppermint and chamomile are relaxants. To make herbal teas, steep 1 tsp. of dried herb in a pot of hot water for 20 minutes. Be sure to cover the pot, otherwise the volatile oils might escape.2 Learn more about how chamomile tea benefits you.
Caffeine is another one of the most common home remedies for headaches. However, do be careful as caffeine can definitely trigger a headache, not to mention that caffeine withdrawal headaches can be brutal. When it comes to headaches, caffeine is both a blessing and a curse..it can both cause and cure headaches.5
Ginger is an excellent natural cure for headaches. At the first hint of head pain, take 500-600 mg of Ginger Root, or take 1/2 to 1 tsp of grated fresh ginger each day. You can also make ginger tea by boiling a slice of raw ginger in water for 15-20 minutes. Ginger reduces your body's production of prostaglandins; prostaglandins cause pain and inflammation. Learn more about the health benefits of ginger.
Melatonin is one of the best home remedies for migraine headaches and cluster headaches. Studies have shown that migraine and cluster headache sufferers have lower levels of melatonin. Regular Sublingual Melatonin Solution use can lead to fewer headaches, but you can't take melatonin along with caffeine and it may interfere with certain medications so do speak with your doctor first.5
Feverfew: Feverfew is one of the most popular home remedies for migraine headaches. This herb is not only anti-inflammatory, but keeps platelets from sticking together. A suggested dosage is between 50-250 mg/day.5
Naturally get plenty of sleep (but not too much, sleeping in can cause headaches) and eat regular meals. Check out home remedies for insomnia if you suffer from insomnia. Lack of sleep can contribute to headaches.
B Vitamins can prevent headaches. Magnesium, properly balanced with B6, is one of the most effective home remedies for headaches. One of the best brands of properly balanced Magnesium and B6 is Super Nu-Thera Caplets 540 caps. We have successfully used this product with my daughter to stop her regular headaches.
B vitamins by themselves can also make a big difference. Nutritional Yeast or Brewer's Yeast is an excellent source of B vitamins and many people notice a significant decrease in headaches after beginning B-vitamin supplements. Learn magnesium-facts and facts about vitamin b. The generally recommended dosage of B6 is 100 mg/day.12 Some migraine suffers also find that 100 mg of niacin is very effective.12
Lecithin is a great preventative home remedy for migraine headaches. Many people have found migraine headache relief after taking a largish (1200 mg/day) daily dose of Lecithin Granules.12
Place your hands, legs or torso in hot water. This sudden heat will dilate blood vessels in the hands and other extremities, which can carry the pressure away from your head and relieve pain. This is a form of biofeedback which can be very effective. Another method is to take a hot bath with a cold pack on your head. The cold will constrict the vessels in your head, while the heat will open blood vessels in other parts of the body.12
Toxin build-up in the digestive track can cause headaches, so taking a good quality probiotic can eliminate toxins and prevent migraine formation. You may not think that Probiotics are one of the best home remedies for headaches, but they are.5 If you don't want to take probiotics supplements, then eat probiotic yogurt and other probiotic foods.
Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the lessor known home remedies for headaches. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, which in turn prevents headaches. Fish oil is an excellent source or omega-3 fatty acids. Learn more fish oil health benefits. Fermented cod liver oil is an especially beneficial form of fish oil. The fermentation process is very important because it is a more traditional method of extracting cod liver oil and keeps a wider range of vitamins intact. We use Green Pasture's Blue Ice Fermented Cod Liver Oil - 120 CapsulesVitamins & Supplements) on a daily basis.
If the headache is a result of dehydration, then the necessary home remedies for headaches involve rehydration. You must rehydrate yourself with proper electrolytes. Add 1 tablespoon of water, 1/4 teaspoon salt and the juice from 1/2 of a lemon or lime to 1 pint of water. Sip slowly.1
Headaches and Kids: Yes, kids can get headaches too. In fact, some children are even prone to migraines, although tension headaches are more common in the younger set. If your child gets frequent headaches, speak with your doctor about magnesium and Vitamin B supplementation (after of course ruling out more serious causes).
Essential oils make wonderful home remedies for headaches for kids. Children can also benefit from taking a hot (but not TOO hot of course) bath with a cold compress on their head.
If your child is dehydrated, follow the above instruction for rehydration. Small children can be especially vulnerable to headaches from lack of proper hydration.
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My home headache cure - Vicks and water
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Okay, here goes. This is my favorite headache home remedy and has literally saved me many times from the all the pain! Although it works like a charm for ...
Magnesium
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my naturopath said to quit calcium for awhile, which is tightening, and to concentrate on quality magnesium, which is loosening and relaxing. No headaches,...
However, before discussing natural cures for headaches, let's talk about the three major types of headaches. 
. We have successfully used this product with my daughter to stop her regular headaches.
on a daily basis.
